Monday 9 November 2015

Winter Link Party

Party time! Welcome if you are popping over from Jennifer at Thistlebear for the Winter Link Party. Today I am sharing a block-as-you-go method for blanket squares. All you need is a block of wood, four new unsharpened pencils and a drill.



My squares for my winter blanket vary in size even though they are all done in Stylecraft DK on the same size hook. I have made them over a two year period so the tension varies. It must have been how relaxed I was each time I did one at the cabin. So here's how I am getting them the same size....


Spraying each one as I stretch and layer them up.


I can block loads all at the same time. They can stay there as I join them up.


I left long ends to double crochet them together, I don't want any more ends than is strictly necessary.


If you are making a blanket for your winter project give this a try. I am glad my split chopping board got a new lease of life. 


 I hope that block idea inspires someone out there. Now what border shall I do?

Looking forward to perusing your winter projects. 

Love from Jo xxx





24 comments:

  1. The reason why squares are different sizes is not so much because of your tension but because different colours are different thicknesses. Double knit varies, it is just a rough guide. The thicker colours such as lipstick get filled with dye which adds volume, where the pale colours are thinner because they retain less dye colour. I try and compensate by crocheting a bit looser if I have a thinner yarn colour.

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    1. Thank you, well I never knew that!

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    2. I am so happy to read that, I quite thought that I was going bonkers when each ball of wool seemed to be thinner or thicker than the previous one.

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    3. I have been wondering about that, too. Thanks!

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    4. Wow! That explains it! I always wondered why my blanket squares come out different sizes. Thank you x

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  2. That's a clever idea. Worth knowing, thanks.

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  3. For the last few weeks I have nearly bought a wooden blocking board for almost fifty pounds . Im so glad I didn't so thank you for sharing.

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  4. What a great idea! Love your blanket!!!! xx

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  5. That, my friend, is a really bloody good idea. You probably wont need to block the finished blanket now, and blocking a small square is a lot easier than a big one!

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  6. I stand and applaud you, a great idea, I do n ot have a broken board but I know where to lay my hands on a piece of plank and I have drill and pencils. This will sort out my granny squares before I start to hook them together.

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  7. What a great idea! Your blanket is beautiful - can't wait to see the border :-)

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  8. Fantastic idea and so much easier to crochet them together when they are all exactly the same size. You are a marvel Jo.

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  9. Brilliant, Jo! Thanks for sharing your ideas. I love seeing your process and progress on your pretty blanket, and I am cheering you on! xx

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  10. You are such a clever cookie Jo!

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  11. Hi Jo, thank you for joining in with my link party! This is such a great technique for blocking. Wow, I'd never think of this on my own. Thank you so much for sharing! Your blanket is gorgeous. I hope you're having a good week, take care.

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  12. Now that is such a simple but clever idea. Inspirational I will remember that it is remarkable. I love the blanket too.

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  13. Thanks for the blocking board idea. Very clever and will be a great help fitting all the bits together later as well as a place to keep the squares neat.

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  14. The stretching board is a brilliant idea! A great way to use your old chopping board, Jo, and your blanket is looking gorgeous!

    Barbara xx

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  15. Ingenious! Thanks for the idea!

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  16. That is inspired.... I will be pinching this fab idea as my squares seem to be different sizes too. Thank you. xx

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  17. I will be seriously considering this! I have a relative who is into woodwork so I may ask them to make one for me. Thanks for sharing!

    Best

    Eleanor x

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  18. I just love your solution to on-going blocking that we all seem to moan about! What a great, yet simple idea. Your blanket looks beautiful with all the bright soft colours!
    Wendy

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  19. What a great idea and so simple to make too. I should patent it if I were you, you could make a fortune.

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  20. This is such a clever idea, thanks for sharing. And your blanket looks great!
    Marion

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